The big industry and regulation stories of 2012

2012: Takeovers, health claim make overs and botanical endgames

Business consolidation, battling stalling economies and the belated activation of the dreaded (by most) EU health claims register – these are just a few issues that have defined the 2012...

Your top science stories from 2012

DMAA, resveratrol, gut health, and omega-3’s: A year of science in the nutra sector

From the scientific controversy around DMAA to a major resveratrol research fraud scandal, plus all the latest developments in gut health, omega-3 and vitamin science; 2012 has been an eventful...

Startup launches immune support supplement based on novel pterin pathway

SanRx, a San Diego-based nutraceutical startup, has a new immune support supplement that attacks the problem in a novel way, via the action of a set of molecules called pterins.

Neptune hit with shareholders' rights lawsuit

Neptune Technologies and Bioressources has been hit with a shareholder rights lawsuit over the Nov. 8 explosion and fire that destroyed the company’s production facility and a resulting steep decline...

Outsourcing manufacturing doesn't lift burden of GMP compliance, experts say

A recent teleseminar put on by the American Herbal Products Association on GMP compliance made it clear that there is still a significant portion of the dietary supplement industry that...

News in brief

Homegrown: Sweet Green Fields to expand stevia crop in North Carolina and Georgia

Sweet Green Fields (SGF) plans to significantly expand its stevia crop in Georgia and North Carolina in 2013 in a bid to bolster supplies of American-grown stevia extracts.

Suspension of NPA MarketPlace symptom of changing trade show landscape

New Hope Natural Media’s decision to suspend the NPA MarketPlace show for 2013 is symptomatic of changes in the trade show industry across all markets since the financial collapse of...

Symrise-Probi partnership to deliver probiotic goods in 2014-15

German fragrance and flavours house Symrise has just last night inked a deal with Swedish probiotics firm Probi to develop a stand-alone R&D project with oral probiotic supplements the most...

Are all foods linked to cancer? Yes … but don’t worry, say researchers

There is evidence linking almost every food or ingredient to cancer, but don’t worry because the evidence for pretty much all of it is very weak, say researchers.

BDNF-boosting coffee fruit concentrate could have applications in sports recovery as well as cognitive health

Illinois-based nutraceuticals expert VDF Futureceuticals has embarked on a larger human trial of its whole coffee fruit concentrate NeuroFactor after a pilot study showed it increased plasma levels of Brain-Derived...

Herbalife expands US manufacturing capacity with purchase of North Carolina plant

Network marketing giant Herbalife Ltd. is expanding its US manufacturing capacity with the purchase of a facility in Winston Salem NC. The acquisition furthers Herbalife’s goal to increase the number...

M&A: BASF extends ProNova offer after only 67% sell; DSM confirms Fortitech buy

BASF has extended the bid period for its €650m offer to buy high-dose omega-3 specialist Pronova BioPharma, after only 67.2% of the Norwegian firm’s shareholders  agreed to sell their stakes....

Omega Protein's Atlantic menhaden catch to be cut by 20%

Omega Protein, the largest manufacturer of fish oil omega-3s based in the US, will have to live with a 20% reduction in the amount of menhaden it can harvest in...

‘Significant’ link between daytime sleepiness and low vitamin D

There is a significant correlation between excessive daytime sleepiness, race, and low vitamin D levels, according to new research.

Super Supplements acquisition makes cultural sense, says Vitamin Shoppe CEO

Vitamin Shoppe Inc. has acquired Seattle-based chain Super Supplements in a transaction that makes both strategic and cultural sense, says Vitamin Shoppe CEO Tony Truesdale.

News in brief

Forbes Medi-Tech gets US patent for sterol extraction technology

The United States Patent and Trademark Office has granted a patent to Forbes Medi-Tech Corp. for technology to efficiently extract plant sterols and stanols from tall oil pitch.

Dr Oz, Dateline NBC, and M&As: 2012’s BIGGEST news

As the last grains of sand slip out of the 2012 hourglass, NutraIngredients-USA looks back on an action packed year. From the Dr Oz effect to GMPs, and from Dateline...

5-minute festive flick

Happy holidays from William Reed Business Media!

The working year is almost done, time to pause from ‘the business’ and embrace the festive season…go on, give it a big hug. Happy holidays!

Guest article

General Mills: We’ll only solve global food security challenge if we embrace open innovation

Can we feed nine billion people by 2050? Only if we embrace the principles of open innovation, says Jeff Bellairs, senior director of the General Mills Worldwide Innovation Network (G-WIN) ,...

2012’s biggest business deals: Schiff, DSM, New Chapter, and more

As 2012 comes to a close, NutraIngredients looks back on an action packed year. In this gallery, we take a look at the biggest business deals of the year.

Two cups of milk per day maintains vit D and iron levels - child study

Two cups (500ml) of milk per day is enough to maintain adequate vitamin D and iron levels in children aged between two and five, a Canadian study has claimed.

Vitamin D in the US: ‘Those with greatest need of dietary sources of vitamin D have the lowest intakes’

Alternative foods may offer fortification potential for vitamin D to help boost intakes of the sunshine vitamin among sections of the population that need it most, says a new review...

NPF notifies FTC of 26 advertisers making illegal drug claims

The Truth in Advertising program of the Natural Products Foundation has referred another 26 advertisers on to the Federal Trade Commission for making drug claims on behalf of dietary supplements.

Is the ‘red wine compound’ tag damaging to resveratrol?

Is the association between resveratrol and red wine beneficial for the compound, or could the link to alcohol be the cause of more harm than good in the long term?

Organizers confident Washington state non-GMO initiative will hit signature goal

A Washington state ballot initiative that seeks to require GMO labeling is nearing its goal of 320,000 signatures, a goal organizers are confident that it will reach.

Booming private label demand drives contract manufacturer's growth

In another example of the growth of the dietary supplement sector, Atlanta-based contract manufacturer Private Label Nutraceuticals announced a significant expansion.

Food gum may slash body fat levels: RCT data

Consuming gum Arabic for six weeks may help healthy women shed up to 2.2% body fat, says a new randomized, placebo controlled, double-blind trial from Sudan – home of the gum.

Broccoli compound backed to help in leukaemia fight

A compound found in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables could help to battle leukemia, say researchers.

2012’s regulations in pictures: GMPs, NDIs, and energy drinks

As 2012 comes to a close, NutraIngredients-USA looks back on an action packed year. In the second of our series of galleries capturing the year’s main events, we take a...

2012’s predictions: How did we do?

In January, NutraIngredients-USA raised its head above the parapet and made some predictions for 2012. As the year draws to a close, we look back on what did and didn’t...

2012’s science in pictures: Multivitamins, military omega-3s, and DMAA

As 2012 comes to a close, NutraIngredients-USA looks back on an action packed year. In the first of our series of galleries capturing the year’s main events, we take a...

Corn bran ingredient maker goes outside US to find non GMO stocks

Z-Trim Holdings, maker of the functional food ingredient Z-Trim sourced from corn bran, has added a non GMO version to its product line.

Monster hit with another suit over advertising, caffeine content

Monster Energy has been hit with yet another class action lawsuit, but not one that plows much new ground, according to attorney Justin Prochnow.

Special Edition: Fibre

From bakery to beverage: Are ‘high fibre’ claims diversifying?

‘High fibre’ claims are traditionally the realm of bakery products, but has recent growing demand for fibre by consumers resulted in a shift away from bread-based products?

Beetroot shows blood pressure benefits for healthy adults

Adding a glass of beetroot juice to the daily diet may help reduce blood pressure in healthy men, suggests new research from Australia.

News in brief

FDA grants grace period on FSMA re-registrations

FDA announced on Thursday, Dec. 13 that it has in effect granted a month-long grace period for food facility re-registrations required under the Food Saftey Modernization Act (FSMA).

Consultancy reaches out to Latin American companies on FSMA requirements

Evidence is growing that many overseas facilities may fail to meet the Dec. 31 Food Safety Modernization Act food facility re-registration deadline.  A new consultancy based in Miami aims to...

Embria harnesses worms to unlock mechanisms and identify promising new product prototypes

The immune benefits of EpiCor, the yeast fermentate from Embria, may be multi-faceted, with new research with nematode worms showing an effect on the innate immune system.

Adulteration issues highlighted 2012, Blumenthal says

The year 2012 might not mark the end of the world.  But in future years as people look back, it might mark the beginning of the end for the adulteration...

Exclusive interview

BASF nutrition president on high-end omega-3, Equateq and the phood “white space”

BASF is moving en masse into omega-3 - especially if its bid for Norwegian player Pronova is approved - but it is technology gained from its May acquisition of a high-dose omega-3...

Special edition: Fibre

Italy leads world in fibre food supplements

Industry experts are predicting rock star status for fibre – if a global tour was planned most of the stops would be fortified and whole foods, although there might be...

FDA files motion to dismiss suit, defends FSMA implementation record

FDA has filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit that sought to prod the agency into faster implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).  But regardless of whether full...

CoQ10 and omega-3 show prostate benefits: RCT data

Daily supplements of coenzyme Q10 and omega-3 may offer potential prostate benefits by reducing levels of a PSA, linked to prostate cancer risk, says a new study.

FDA, Chinese agency renew cooperation agreement

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has extended an agreement with a Chinese counterpart agency to work together on food and feed safety.

New EFSA health claims chief: “I prefer pedagogic behavior”; offers 2013 hope

As the formlisation of the main organ (article 13.1 list) of the nutrition and health claims regulation (NHCR) kicks in this week, Professor Ambroise Martin, the new chair of the...

Special edition: Fiber

Can fiber continue its upward trajectory to rock star status?

Consumer demand for fiber-rich products is predicted to continue to sky rocket, with some industry observers claiming fiber will have ‘rock star’ status for the food and nutrition industries.

Fish oil, glucosamine and chondroitin lead the way for anti-inflammatory potential: Study

Regular use of dietary supplements containing fish oil, or glucosamine and chondroitin may reduce markers of inflammation by up to 22%, says a new study.

Florida firm's new energy product based on bio-identical form of HGH metabolite

A Florida company has launched a bio-identical form of a human growth hormone metabolite in a sublingual shot and is marketing it as an energy product.

Plandaí Biotech promises bioavailability step change for raft of phytonutrients from green tea catechins to citrus extracts

Plandaí Biotechnology - which hopes to take the botanical extracts market by storm with never-before-seen levels of bioavailability - reckons it will be able to supply commercial quantities of its...

Special Edition: Fiber

Prebiotics boost gut health while adding functionality

Prebiotics are the thin end of the wedge in the new era of beneficial functional fibers.  Gone are the days where mere ‘regularity’ was the goal;  now fiber is understood...

Resveratrol and cancer: The study behind the headlines

Last week saw widespread media coverage of research suggesting resveratrol – often referred to as ‘the red wine compound’ – could help to cut cancer risk by half. NutraIngredients caught...

BASF commits €22m as it expands Scottish omega-3 venture 1000%

Harvard article derides supplements' memory-support claims

Looking for a dietary supplement to support cognition and boost your memory?  Forget it, says an article in the Dec. 2012 edition of Harvard Men’s Health Watch.

Health Canada shuts down lab for data falsification

Health Canada has suspended the Establishment Licence of Chemi Pharmaceutical Inc. after finding falsified test results.

LifeVantage recalls product over metal contamination

LifeVantage, manufactures of herbal supplement Protandim, recently announced a product recall that reportedly could end up costing the company as much as $7 million before recovery from suppliers.

Does CLA boost bone health for men?

Long-term intakes of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) may be associated with bone strength in men, says a new study from Canada and Australia, but the conclusions have been questioned by...

Tests turn up adulterated green coffee bean extracts

Research conducted by ingredient developer Futureceuticals has demonstrated the existence of adulterated green coffee bean extract in the marketplace and has also teased out the probable adulterants.

Multi-nutrient supplement shows big benefits for lung function in asthmatics

A supplement containing a combination of fish oil, probiotics, and extracts from fruit and vegetables may improve lung function in young asthmatics, says a new study from Taiwan.

Will POM Wonderful case finally clear up confusion over what evidence is needed to support ad claims?

Do firms need at least two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to convince regulators that they have ‘competent and reliable scientific evidence’ to support advertising claims about the health benefits of...

High levels of carotenoids backed for breast cancer risk reduction

Women with higher circulating levels carotenoids are at a significantly lower risk of breast cancer, according to new research.

News in brief

Lichen-based vegan vitamin D3 gains momentum as Nordic Naturals introduces new product

Nordic Naturals has launched a new plant-based Vitamin D3 liquid supplement derived from an edible lichen-developed by UK-based supplier ESB Developments Ltd.

‘We need a revolution in the way we think about food’: Futurologist

The future of food is an area that is often overlooked in the context of short political cycles, but we all need to have a view on how we can...

Calls for global resveratrol council gain pace at international conference

A new international council for resveratrol could soon help to co-ordinate and communicate global research projects involving both industry and leading academic experts in the area, according to experts at...

CoQ10 can boost heart function in heart failure patients: Meta-analysis

Data from randomized trials support the ability of co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) to improve heart function in people with congestive heart failure (CHF), say scientists from Tulane University in New Orleans.

News in brief

Shareholder rights law firm investigates Neptune

Zeldes & Haeggquist, a San Diego based shareholders rights law firm, has announced an investigation into possible securities violations by Neptune Technologies & Bioressources following the destruction by fire of...

RFI Ingredients bulking up on finished product manufacturing capabilities

RFI Ingredients, a vertically integrated manufacturer of a range of  natural and organic ingredients, is expanding its Loveland, CO facility to add encapsulation, powder filling and bottling capabilities as part...

Clarkson teams with Italian firm to boost organic soy lecithin supplies

Clarkson Soy Products has moved to alleviate the pressure on organic soy lecithin supplies by entering into a relationship with an Italian supplier, the company announced yesterday.

Ultra-fast- acting novel prebiotic will turn market on its head, predicts Deerland Enzymes

Deerland Enzymes has launched a novel prebiotic that unlike fiber or carbohydrate-based rivals, is highly effective in small doses, starts working within hours rather than days, and does not cause...

NASA food science: We’re 20 years away from foods with extended shelf-lives

The quest to have food to survive a five-year mission to Mars is at least two decades away, but ‘we’ll get there’, says Dr Michele Perchonok, advanced food technology project...

ITC dismisses CoQ10 patent case

The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has terminated its investigation into alleged patent infringement of certain coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) products and production methods following a complaint by Japan’s Kaneka Corporation....

Korean pine nut oil shows metabolic benefits: Mouse data

Weight gain from eating a high fat food may be less when the diet is supplemented with pine nut oil, says a new study from Korea and Japan.

Using athletes as study subjects helps clear regulatory hurdles

Working with athletes can provide a way to circumvent some of the challenges of dietary supplement research by offering up a ‘prestressed’ population, experts say.

ChromaDex expands capabilities with Spherix Consulting acquisition

ChromaDex will expand it capabilities with the acquisition of Spherix Consulting, which provides scientific and regulatory consulting services.

News in brief

Amway, NBA teams work together to raise funds for kids' nutrition

Network marketing giant Amway has teamed up with two NBA teams and a nonprofit organization to call attention to the malnourishment of children worldwide.

Foreign facilities falling behind on FSMA, consultant says

A large number of foreign food facilities likely will not be in compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act re-registration guidelines when the deadline passes at the end of the...

Cargill, TSI amend pact on vegan glucosamine IP

Cargill and TSI Group have amended an agreement on the intellectual property surrounding Cargill’s patented technology for producing vegan glucosamine.

Aged garlic ‘effective and tolerable’ for blood pressure benefits

Daily supplements containing aged garlic extracts may reduce blood pressure in people with uncontrollable hypertension, says a new study from Australia.

NPA expands social media footprint

The Natural Products Association is expanding its social media presence with new pages on Pinterest and Google +, the organization announced recently.

News in brief

Cargill builds science for sucromalt benefits for ‘hot’ energy category

Incorporating a low-glycemic index (GI) carbohydrate sucromalt may help maintain mental and physical energy better than glucose, says a new study by Cargill.

DMAA: Only found in select geranium, says new USPLabs-funded study

Controversial ingredient DMAA has been detected in geranium from select regions of China, but not all, according to a new study from the University of Memphis and funded by USPLabs.

Hain Celestial dives into relaxation beverage pool with Sleepytime shot

Hain Celestial has taken a new tack with its line of natural shots, launching a relaxation shot featuring valerian among other herbal ingredients.

Omega-3 may delay metabolic malady and block mental declines: Study

Supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) could postpone the onset of metabolic disorders and associated declines in cognitive functioning, according to new research.

Tight relationship with farmers key to supply, botanical companies say

In an increasingly globalized world, botanical ingredient suppliers are taking steps to lessen the risks posed by Mother Nature, potential political unrest and the guys in suits with bags of...